Dorsalspines
(total): 8 - 9;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 20-22;
Analspines: 2-3;
Analsoft rays: 16 - 17. No spots on pectoral fins, and the spot posteriorly on the gill cover is small or absent; the scutes tend to be dusky or blackish; caudal fin is yellow. The young have broad blackish bars on the body.

Biology
Glossary
(e.g. epibenthic)

A pelagic (Ref. 26340) schooling species usually found in offshore reefs (Ref. 9710). Juveniles are encountered along shores of sandy beaches, also over muddy bottoms (Ref. 9626). May penetrate into brackish water and ascend rivers. Adults feed on fishes, shrimps, and other invertebrates (Ref. 3277). Often approach divers (Ref. 9710). Eggs are pelagic (Ref. 4233).